Disability NEWS – May 16, 2018

The May 16th Disability NEWS features TriMet workshops to plan more and better service, DRO’s search for new executive director, opportunity for reproductive justice fellow at Western States Center, and other information/news for Portland’s disabilities community.

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National Weather Service issues Excessive Heat Watch for Portland metropolitan area

Above: Woman drying her forehead on hot day.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch that is effective from Friday afternoon through Monday evening

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued an Excessive Heat Watch, which is in effect from Friday afternoon through Monday evening. The alert provides the following information:

TEMPERATURES — Lower elevations 90s on Friday, near 100 Saturday, 95 to 100 Sunday, upper 90s to around 100 Monday. These temperatures could be close to or exceed record values at times. Low temperatures will be warm, with lower to mid 60s likely at many lower elevation locations.

TIMING — The heat will begin Friday, with the hottest stretch Saturday through possibly the middle of next week. Saturday could be the hottest day of this stretch.

IMPACTS — The heat will pose a high risk for people without access to air conditioning. The elderly, people without access to air conditioning, and anyone engaged in prolonged outdoor activities will be be particularly vulnerable during this heat episode. Local power demand is expected to be at high levels.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS — An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Multnomah County is preparing to open its cooling centers and will be providing details on Friday, September 1. The Disability NEWS will post the information on the website and on its Facebook page once the details are made available. Further information about dealing with the hot weather is available at the County’s Help For When It’s Hot webpage.